( *FORGOTTEN. )

“She is madness, sanity. She is hell, and paradise.” Jia Li Wen gwendolyn ( wade ) riverborn ( hybrid: lamia/witch ) personal trainer ( ceo of silver security )

[gwendolynwade]

reyna bengio‌:

Reyna was already four drinks in. The bar was the first place she headed to as soon as she entered the gala. It was one reason that made her go in the first place. The other reason? She knew how events like these usually turn out, and she was prepared to be front row, with a drink in her hand this time. Reyna didn’t understand the “oo”s and the “ah”s the guests were making when looking around. The place was rather underwhelming for Reyna, and if anything, everyone’s reactions only confirmed what she already knew – the people here lack taste. And the one other person that didn’t lack taste drew her immediate attention when she heard her voice. “Gwendolyn Wade,” she blurted out, mouth gaped open as she fully soaked in what she was seeing. “I’m sorry, are you hosting this gala? And your boobs look good! Say no more, I shall follow you around all night, making sure no one steps on your tail. Actually, I’ll hire someone to do that.” Her admiration slightly plunged when Gwen handed over the bag with an explanation. Reyna hesitantly took it after receiving the rather disappointing news. “Oh, thanks. I’ll give her a call later.” The lamia looked back up, replacing the dim look on her face with a brighter one. “So, how have you been? I’m surprised to see you here.”

A sudden laugh escaped Gwendolyn’s lips as soon as Reyna spoke. Of course she had to just comment on her appearance. With these functions, Gwendolyn didn’t disappoint when it came to her attire, she enjoyed going through the notions of what to wear. It was therapeutic in a sense like retail therapy. “You are quite humorous.” she mused at the lamia. “You know I would have done a far better...execution than this.” Glancing down at her chest, she laughed again and shook her head, “And have you seen yourself? You can certainly capture the sight of everyone in the room. By all means, if you do hire someone they better be competent at their menial task.” She observed Reyna’s demeanour once she took the bag and noticed the switch in her look. “She would love that, as I know you would too.” It was evident that Drucilla had made an impact on some of people here, she had a peculiar choice in friends—mostly a certain assassin of a vampire, but she wasn’t the type to judge. “Alright...Making do with the fuckery this town brings. On the bright side, I’ve done some reconnecting to my past and I know, but I wanted to see what’s truly behind this gala. You and I both know this isn’t going to be all sunshine and rainbows. If anything this Spring Equinox will be blooming in chaos.” 

[gwendolynwade]

*|| STARTER FOR: @khclfvni​​

Dark orbs observed their surroundings as both Gwendolyn and Pierceson stood in silence. There was a lot on her end that she needed to work on, but he was helping in her having to remember parts of her past that she’d lost along the way ever since she became a Riverborn. She appreciated his patience, as well as his willingness to stay by his side. Further, having to amend their relationship with January was something they were both getting through together. Eyeing Francisca and January mingling, she pressed her lips into a thin line and tried not to sigh at the fact that their youngest fae still hadn’t had a proper conversation ever since it was revealed who they were to her. Turning towards Pierce, Gwen could tell he was staring too and out of comfort she gently cupped the side of his face and expressed a lighthearted smile. “She’ll come around. It seems like time hasn’t been too kind to us as it tests our patience, but it will eventually.” 

[gwendolynwade]

*|| STARTER FOR: @deep-calm​

Sighing softly, Gwendolyn glanced down at her glass of red wine and pushed it aside. Maybe she was getting a little too old for this or maybe she had a biased opinion on whenever something like were to occur. With everything that’s been going on in town and using this as some sort of...pick me up? Cover up? It’ll be interesting to see how everything would unfold. However, for now she needed to preoccupy herself and as she was searching for Reth among the crowd, she noticed a familiar presence. Walking over to them, she tilted her head as she approached them and cleared her throat. “Well then...” A slight smile crept onto her lips, as she’d seen him with Ryo—it made sense. “Welcome back to the land of actually living...in your own vessel.” 

[gwendolynwade]

*|| STARTER FOR: @reybengio​

Gwendolyn Wade has been to many galas and Lethe’s was no different. Why she attended? Well it’s been a while since she dressed up and knowing the outcome of how this town’s functions could go, might as well get roped into whatever fuckery is next. Prior to arriving, she inquired with Drucilla if she’d be joining her, but she had Toptier business to attend to outside of Lethe. Good move on her part. However, the youngest Wade did have a small gift that she’d like delivered to a certain lamia and so, she did what she was told and ventured off towards the open bar to meet with Reyna. “Red is definitely your colour.” she greeted with smile. “Here.” She handed her a small gift bag and explained, “My sister isn’t sure when she’ll return from her trip, but left this for you.”

[gwendolynwade]

GWENDOLYN WADE + The Spring Equinox Gala

[gwendolynwade]

ryo takanashi‌:

Ryo immediately waved away the possibility of even asking his sister. “No, no, if mine can work, then let’s just go with that.” As he said that, he relaxed in his seat, but only slightly. Caught between the relief of being able to use his own blood and the reluctance to let the handkerchief leave his possession was harder to navigate than he expected. “Yes. Sounds good.” His head nodded in agreement, yet his hand struggled to hand over the cloth. More cherished than his wedding ring, it had always been a source of comfort, even more so now given the circumstances. Standing up, he silently walked over to Gwendolyn’s desk and held out the handkerchief out with a shaky hand for her to take. It was almost unbearable to let it leave his sight, but if there was ever a time to stake everything he had, this was it.

“Now, about the blood. No sense in delaying it.” His collected composure returned the moment the handkerchief was lifted from his hand. Once again reaching into his blazer, this time he took out what looked to be a short and dull, yet razor thin metal bar. Completely harmless at first look, it then began to glow a nearly blinding white as Ryo imbued his magic into it to turn it into a functional sharpened tanto blade — one of the Takanashi clan’s many secret weapons that few ever lived to be able to see twice. “I suppose you wouldn’t have a container handy to siphon my blood into, would you? I’d hate to ruin your lovely flooring.” Where his hand had been shaking moments before, it now held the blade, firm and steady.

The urgency to use his own blood only helped confirm Gwen’s suspicions that perhaps the Takanashis aren’t cohesive as a unit as the elders make it out to be. ‘It has to be the girl...’ assumed the hybrid as she nodded at his request. “Fair enough.” She waited and realized that the man had an attachment to the cloth and so she preoccupied herself at first by reaching into her drawer and pulling out an amethyst dish for the placement of his blood. As soon as Ryo got up and handed her the item, she took it and tossed it onto her table. “You’ll most likely not get that back.” Best to give a warning and not get his hopes up. “But I’ll try to salvage as much as I can.” 

She was just about to get up from her seat to fetch her blade when Ryo went ahead and did the honours for her. It was enough proof to show how far he was willing to go for love. The desperation and that drive based on the glimmer of hope. A part of Gwendolyn wanted to provide 100% reassurance, but since when was life ever fair? Without another word, she lifts the amethyst dish and held it up to him as the object in which he could pour his blood to. She then gave her final instructions, “I’ll need as much of your blood to cover the surface area of this dish. Once that’s done, I’ll have to create a concoction while bounding my magic to it and from there you can take the vial to your husband to have him ingest it. The effects should take place right away and you should be able to see if he’s able to return back to his human state. The transitioning period may be a lengthy one, but it’s either a beginning or end state—no in between and that’s when you’ll know if it worked or not. Got it?” 

[gwendolynwade]

caoimhe meallán‌‌:

The woman isn’t keen on talking much – Caoimhe can sense that even without empathy. So she tries for brevity, getting to the point of the question with what she hopes is haste. “Riverborns.” She echoes with a nod. “I didn’t know the name, myself, but suppose it’s good to know.” There’s some bitterness there, and Caoimhe sighs, nodding grimly. “Apologies. I’ve made contact with mine, of course, but it’s not so easy for everyone. There’s a bit of an in between process that can be… troubling.” That’s putting it gently. “I’m sorry that your sort have gotten roped into all that nonsense. Hopefully it will ease up as people find their way.” Who knows if they will, but Caoimhe’s always been the optimistic sort. That much shows now, as she gives the woman a smile as they approach the door, despite their previous bit of malice and the fact that she’s got little idea where she’s going now. “Thank you, again, for your… restraint. And for seeing me out. Kind of you. Sorry for barging in.”

When they arrived to the exit, there was a thought that lingered Gwendolyn’s mind. The whole interaction she realized that this shade may have come in contact with a Riverborn just like herself. The question now is if they knew each other on a personal level? “Yes, that’s what we’re labeled as.” She then nodded and wasn’t sure what to say. The woman was being optimistic and further served no threat to Gwen. “You apologize too much.” she points out at first. “Prior to your departure, I am curious, do you know anything about the River Spirit? I mean ever since they came to be, we were able to see your kind and I just wonder if there’s a connection between both sides. I simply want to understand why I came to be in this...predicament.”

[gwendolynwade]

caoimhe meallán‌: 

“Quite.” Caoimhe replies frankly. It’s a fact she’s had two centuries to come to terms with, so really, it’s not one she struggles to state. The occasional transparency of her own limbs helps. “Well, suppose that’s somewhat reassuring. Appreciate the lack of… brute force.” This woman was clearly a tough one to crack. Ah, well. She could dream of a smile but likely wouldn’t get one. It’d been worth a try. “Glad I’m in good company, then,” Caoimhe still tries at humor, trailing the woman. “Not the faintest. It’s nothing new, really. Perhaps I’ll give another go at transporting myself in true dead folk fashion.” She really can’t help it, can she? Good things her family comes equipped with good senses of humor. “Just a moment, though, if you’re willing.” Her head tilts, curious as always. “You mentioned before being bothered by our sort. Is that a common thing? You’ve got an eye for our kind?” And here she’d been thinking her poor niece was the only one troubled like that. How happy she’d be at the news that she isn’t alone.

“You’re welcome.” It would be a waste of resources to even use it on a shade and for her, a waste of energy and power. She wanted a peace of mind for today and well, it seemed to have cut short with the other’s presence. At least it was a shade she could tolerate. “Sure.” she replied as she continued walking throughout the Silver Security facility. Gwendolyn lacked in the small talk department, she knew that. However, she was more of a listener and if needed be, she’ll talk. Therefore, the fact that the shade had a curious inquiry caused her to stop in her tracks and face her as she arched a brow, waiting for the response. “It is and I do...Most Riverborns like myself have that added to our...rep.” Gwen paused and narrowed her gaze on the woman, “But it seems like you’re all making yourselves known to everyone else. It shouldn’t be that hard to get in touch with your loved ones, regardless of who they are.” 

[burnhamandtilly]

astrid leong + fashion appreciation

[gwendolynwade]

ryo takanashi‌:

“Guilty as charged on all counts,” Ryo replied with an unbothered smile on his face. Even if labels really weren’t his thing, he’d take ‘outcast’ or ‘disappointment’ over ‘young master’ and ‘High Patriarch’ any day. Even just the mere memory of him being addressed formally made him unconsciously sit up straighter in his seat. Apparently the clan etiquettes had been beaten so hard into him, they had become second nature. Some things he couldn’t escape from, no matter how hard he tried.

Things like bowing, for example. He had to resist the urge to bow and kept his gratitude to a relatively low-key “Thank you for your understanding, Miss Wade. You have no idea how much this means to me. I can’t express how much I apprecia—” His voice suddenly cut off at the mention of blood. The smile and traces of laughter fell off his face as his expression stiffened. “…Whose blood would you need exactly?” If it was his own, he’d donate litres in an instant, but the thought of hurting Nagisa more than he already had was giving him second thoughts, especially if it wasn’t a guarantee this would all work out in the end. True, his sister had gone through this process, but Seiha was… different. Even the other clan elders couldn’t quite understand how she had been able to come back after being so far gone. He suddenly reached into his inner breast pocket and pulled out a rather worn handkerchief. Holding onto hope for him had never been so literal. “Rather than holding onto a miracle, I’d put my faith in something I actually believe in — this.” He held up the piece of cloth. “Our love.”

“Sucks to suck.” Gwendolyn couldn’t relate, but she’d seen many family dynamics to know enough about this situation that Ryo’s facing really well. Further, she didn’t expect any less from the Takanashi clan either. Shaking her head, she gestured a wave to disregard his gratitude. “Thank me when your husband comes back.” she replied. She has no plans on accepting any credit when she hadn’t done what was requested. She remained unfazed when Ryo inquired about blood. “I would prefer your sister’s.” she deadpanned. “It would be more effective seeing as she was in the same situation as him. However, if that’s an issue we could try to use yours.” 

Observing the shifter’s movements, the hybrid watched as he pulled out a handkerchief. She listened and tried not to cringe at the dramatics, let alone heavy emotions that were being displayed. Instead, she kept reminding herself that she understood his situation and should learn to tone down on the hostility. “Mhm, good to know.” She didn’t know what else to say to that. “I’ll take this and once you have the blood...I’ll create the concoction and bind a spell to it. From there, I’ll meet with Nagisa and we’ll have him ingest in when conducting the process. Sounds good?” 

[gwendolynwade]

caoimhe meallán‌:

Well, this is a bit of a predicament. Caoimhe raises a brow at the present situation, looking at the weapons on the far wall away from her and the woman who is squinting at her with more than some contempt now. Bit of a predicament, indeed. They’re far different, these guns, from the ones she’d last caught sight of. Much smaller, more compact, which seems to be a pattern in this era. Still: a gun is a gun, is it not? “I would beg you not to shoot me, but at this rate, I doubt it would alter much. Unless these new sorts have abilities I don’t yet know about. If it’s all the same to you, I’m not exactly keen on getting shot at whatsoever. I promise, I mean no harm.” Faolan will have a field day with this one when she fills him in later… anyhow. “I’m not quite sure what the regulations are. Apologize for failing.” Her own tone has some backhandedness to it, which likely isn’t safe. Caoimhe chooses to reel it back. “Right. Well, clearly I don’t quite know either, so no worries. The exit… that’d be lovely.”

Following the shade’s gaze, it seemed as if they were registering the batch of weaponry they had on deck. This wasn’t even all of it and further, she was dead—what good would it do to shoot a ghost-like creature. “You’re dead.” she pointed out as if it was common knowledge. “Even if you meant harm, I wouldn’t even use that on you.” The hybrid had her abilities, which were effective and powerful, why use a gun at this point? “It’s whatever, no one knows anything in this town—so that’s nothing new. Shall we?” And with that, Gwen began walking towards the halls of Silver Security to exit the premise they were in. “So you have no clue on where you’re going?” she clarified as they walked.  

[gwendolynwade]

caoimhe meallán‌:

Date: May 3rd 2021 Time: 1:30 pm Location: Not where Caoimhe planned to be Status: Open!

She doesn’t know much – Caoimhe will be the first to admit to that. What she does know: that house. Faolan’s, technically, though she supposes she should get used to calling it theirs. An apartment, he’d informed her, but it simply feels like home. A shared space above that smithy of his. She’s also beginning to know the tell-tale signs of incorporeality – that’s what that kind witch had called this, anyway. This weakened feeling, an exhaustion that comes with haste and doesn’t quite let up, making her figure flicker and fade before her own eyes. Unlike during those in-between years, nowadays Caoimhe can keep herself on this side of the veil. The more difficult part seems to be staying where she wants to be. Which is how she lands in the midst of a room that is not at all part of the home she’d expecting to find her footing in. The shade winces as something topples over, and she’s reaching to right it when she spots her company looking as surprised as she is. “Oh! Well.” She’s definitely not in the right place, then. “Seems I’ve made right bags of this. Hm.” Faolan will probably be having a bloody fit. Fantastic. “Apologies for entering like this. Would you mind telling me how far I am from the smithy? Suppose it’d be good to know precisely how awful I am at navigating.”

Adapting abilities that were similar to Drucilla was a pain. Gwendolyn had seen it first hand how her sister’s necromancy got the best of her and ever since Riverborns were granted the ability to sense shades, well...The hybrid had a clear understanding of trials and tribulations her sister had to go through. She found it more of an annoyance and nuisance rather than a gift or an upgrade to her abilities. It was probably because she had a lengthy lifetime and have become acquainted with the dead. Sighing heavily, she was the only one on Silver Security training ground as she stared at the woman in the middle of the gun range. “I don’t know which is worse, the ones who torment me or the ones who fail at being what they are.” Gwen’s tone was dull and dry as she walked up to her and shook her head. “The smithy?” she repeated in a questionable tone. “No clue what or where that is. I can show you the exit of this place though.” 

[gwendolynwade]

ryo takanashi‌:

Lifting his head up, Ryo tried to keep a straight face, but ultimately failed as he fought to stifle a chuckle. “Sorry, it’s just… I haven’t had a scolding like that in ages. But I agree with you, and I bet my father would’ve, as well..” He paused not to reminisce, but to find the words to describe his situation. Taking a sip of water only afforded him a few seconds of thinking time. “…Which is why I technically no longer have the right to call this name or the clan my own. My only association with the name ‘Takanashi’ is the one I share with the few I cherish nearly above all else: my siblings. Though I’m sure if you ask them yourself, they might disagree with me.” Even after he was exiled, he still made sure to provide for his siblings, allowing them to live their lives largely independent of the clan, save for Seiha. But deep down he knew that money was a cheap substitute for an older brother who had promised to protect them no matter what.

“That’s why the go-to ‘ask your elders for help when you’re jammed’ trick doesn’t work in this case. And truth be told, I’d rather not ask my sister for help. Not out of pride — I left that behind a long time ago, as you can tell — but, she’s got a lot going on. I would know since I used to be in her shoes.” And though he had left big shoes to fill, his intention was that they were supposed to remain empty. He should’ve known that Seiha would’ve taken it as a challenge instead. But that was another challenge to tackle another day. Right now, he only had one priority ahead of him: “So, I come to you today not as a desperate Takanashi, but as a desperate person doing all they can to save the person they cannot live without. This might be presumptuous of me, but surely you can understand where I’m coming from.” 

The amusement that Ryo displayed wasn’t surprising, nor did it cause any further disapproval. She could see why as she had a basic understanding of what went on in that family. “I see, you’re the outcast or disappointment.” she concluded. In her opinion, he should consider it as a blessing. However, she was biased, especially when she wasn’t so fond of the values and customs of the Takanashis. It reminded her so much of her dynasty days that she was over the conventional traditions.

“You have unresolved issues.” she simply pointed out. “–But that’s none of my business.” She could be wrong and maybe she was just blowing it out of proportion, but the more he spoke the more assumptions she couldn’t help but make. At least she didn’t have to interact with his clansmen and that was a mutual understanding that she could agree on. At his last statement, it did strike a nerve with her as she narrowed her gaze. Reth. It was evident that the fae was someone important to the hybrid’s life and so, she can empathize with the shifter. “Fine, you got me there.” she admitted out loud. “I’ll help you. I just need items of his that you have, along with a few ingredients...herbs and blood mostly.” She then tilted her and asked, “I can’t guarantee that he’ll be able to shift at all, depending on the damage his human form is in. However, your sister seemed to have gone through it—so I’d hold on to that hope.” 

[gwendolynwade]

ryo takanashi‌:

The other day, Ryo finally dialed the number that was the on card Yasemin had given him. But before anyone could actually pick up, he would immediately hang up in a panic. The opportunity just seemed too good to be true, and he didn’t want to set himself up for yet another disappointing lead. Like the textbook definition of insanity, he dialed, hung up, dialed, and hung up again. Silver Security was probably on the verge of blocking his number, thinking it had been a prank, when he finally gathered enough composure to stay on the line until someone picked up. It turned out that setting up the meeting was surprisingly painless, as he should have expected with a direct line to Gwendolyn herself. 

Now, in her office, Ryo held out his hand for a shake before he sat down. “I appreciate you taking the time to meet with me today. And just water’s fine, thank you. I’ve been trying to cut back on the alcohol.” There was no point in wasting Gwendolyn’s time, especially when she was clearly going out of her way for him. But in recent days, when it came to talking about Nagisa being stuck, Ryo found it now came with a sense of inexplicable dread that convinced him there would never be a solution. Well, if he didn’t start talking no solution was going to come for sure. Taking a deep breath, he finally recounted everything that had happened since coming here and ended with, “You’re my last hope, Miss Wade. Please help — no, save — my husband. I’ll do anything.” He then bowed his head down low in the highest form of respect.

Shaking his hand, she then got up and headed towards her fridge before pulling out a bottled water and handing it to him. Prior to this meeting, she inquired with Pierceson about this clan. Both of them lived long enough to know the notable families within the supernatural realm, but the Takanashi’s were one that kept mostly to themselves. As such, her curiosity was more of a factor in deciding to meet with Ryo, rather than the concept of helping him out. 

“Well, you seemed persistent...Despite the fact that you were also uncertain at the same time.” Seeing the many missed calls from him was annoying at first, but she gave him time because she knew that this meeting was going to happen one way or another. Taking her seat, she leaned back and watched him bow his head down low before her. Her jaw clenched as she remembered her past vividly, being served and highly respected...“Sit up.” she instructed at first. “Desperation shouldn’t suit a Takanashi.” Perhaps this was the reason why his loudmouth sister ended up being a leader. “Speaking of your clan, I’m curious. Why haven’t they helped? Isn’t this a shifting issue?” 

[gwendolynwade]

date: spring 2021

location: silver security ; gwen’s office

time: afternoon

Gwendolyn was glad that January had a friend, but she should also realize that her only friend is quite the...socialite. A loose term, but it didn’t bother the hybrid. She respected Yasemin, despite her being a ball of sickeningly positivity. After learning that the Councilwoman gave away her ‘special’ business card to a Takanashi, she wasn’t sure how to feel about the particular clan. The family of shifters normally kept things within the family, therefore after hearing that one of them wanted to meet with her made Gwen truly curious. 

Answering a couple emails, a reminder popped up on her screen indicating that her meeting with Ryo Takanashi were in a few minutes. Dismissing the notification, she continued working until the shifter made himself know. “Come in.” she called out before closing the windows and leaving her laptop on sleep. “Mr. Takanashi, have a seat. Did you need anything? Water? Coffee? Tea? Soda? Alcohol?...” She wasn’t as accommodating towards others, but he was considered an exception. “From my understanding Councilwoman Asli provided you with my personal business card. Normally when someone sets up a meeting with me personally it means that aid is required, as such how can I assist?”

@rtkns​​

[donske]

Gemma Chan as Astrid Leong in Crazy Rich Asians (2018).

[eternalssource]

@Gemma_Chan: Honoured to be the recipient of the 2020 Women In Film x #MaxMara Face of the Future Award. Thank you for inviting me to your beautiful show @maxmara